Language of instruction
Limited places available. Potentially available as a second or third preference.
Situated in the heart of Western Europe, KU Leuven has been a centre of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium's largest university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. KU Leuven offers a wide variety of international Master’s programmes, all supported by high-quality, innovative, interdisciplinary research. KU Leuven is ranked among the Top 50 universities worldwide.
The city of Leuven is a pleasant, safe and bustling student town, where centuries-rich history meets cutting-edge science. The university also offers programmes in Brussels and Ghent.
Semester dates
| UQ Semester | Host Semester | Dates |
| Semester 1 | Second Semester | February–July |
| Semester 2 | First Semester | September–February |
Guides and additional information
Depending on the KU Leuven campus you choose to study at, there are resources available to help get the most out of your exchange.
Exchange student information 2025-2026
Information Programmes Taught in English
Student Life in Leuven (YouTube video)
Student Life in Brussels (YouTube video)
Campuses
KU Leuven has multiple campuses, which exchange opportunities available at:
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Applications close: 31 October
Student testimonials
- Master of ArchitectureSemester 1, 2023
I have returned with a new sense of independence and confidence in myself and with lifelong connections across the world.
- M ArchitectureSemester 1, 2019
A rich period of my life that was full of fun, friendship, culture and new experiences.
Full-time study load
30 ECTS credits per semester at KU Leuven is equivalent to 8 UQ units.
Host university requirements
GPA
You will need a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.5 to study at KU Leuven.
Study Options
You will be nominated to a specific faculty and must take the majority of courses from that faculty.
Undergraduate students must be in at least their third year in order meet prerequisite requirements for postgraduate courses at KU Leuven.
Semester Restrictions
Design: Master of Urban Design and Spatial Planning is only available for exchange during UQ semester 2.
Note: Host university eligibility criteria are at the discretion of the host and may change without notice.
Other Requirements
Faculty of Engineering Science: You are required to have completed 3 years (48 units) of your UQ program before commencing the exchange at KU Leuven.
Find courses
Search the KU Leuven course catalogue
UQ Credit Precedent Database
The first step is to review the host university's most recent course catalogue and identify the courses available to exchange students in the semester you plan to attend (e.g. Fall/Spring or Semester 1/Semester 2).
Once you have identified suitable courses, you can search the Credit Precedent Database (CPD) to check whether any of those courses have previously been assessed for UQ credit.
Please note:
- Always use the host university course catalogue to identify available courses. The CPD should only be used to check whether those courses have previously been assessed for UQ credit.
- The CPD is a guide only and does not represent the full or current range of courses available at a host institution.
- Previous credit assessments may have expired or no longer reflect the current course content.
- Courses that do not appear in the CPD can still be considered for UQ credit through the Study Plan assessment process.
Study areas taught in English
Academic restrictions
Additional academic information
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Applications close: 31 October
Accommodation
There are various types of on-campus and off-campus housing available for students at KU Leuven. The University's Housing Service provides a database of rooms available for students Leuven.
Cost of living
KU Leuven provides a rough estimate of average monthly and yearly living expenses in Leuven to help students budget for exchange.
Financial support
A range of funding for student exchange including scholarships, grants and loans are available to UQ students.
Insurance
Students approved to participate in a Semester-based Exchange are automatically covered by UQ’s Travel Insurance for the country of their host university only.
For more information, read the Student Travel Insurance Policy Summary on UQ’s Travel Insurance web page (login required).
If you plan to travel outside of your host country, you should purchase additional insurance.
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Applications close: 31 October
Organise your visa
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Contact the Belgian Embassy and Consulates for visa and immigration information.
Travel risk levels
The University of Queensland cannot and does not allow students to travel to any country with a risk level of 3 (Reconsider your need to travel) or above, as assessed by the Australian Government.
If a country's risk level changes to 3 or above, experiences to that country are suspended until the risk level improves.
Find out the risk level and travel advice, and sign up to receive updates for your host country on the Smartraveller website.
Exchange deadlines
Exchange deadlines
The Semester-based Exchange application process begins one year before the exchange starts. For example, if you plan to start your exchange in UQ’s Semester 1, 2027, you must apply in UQ’s Semester 1, 2026.
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 1 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 April
Applications close: 31 May
Application for Exchange in UQ Semester 2 (for the following year):
Applications open: 24 September
Applications close: 31 October